It’s been a month since our last issue. We’ve got beloved 4X games returning after more than a decade, new (if old) directions for Ubisoft’s flagship franchise, and to top it all off, what could be the biggest pre-release game leak in the history of the medium? If things keep up like this, we’re going to need a bigger magazine.

This month, we’re exploring the sprawling universe of Sins of a Solar Empire 2. A mix of real-time strategy and 4X empire building, it’s an ambitious sequel that simulates everything from planetary orbits to the individual weapons on your warships. We went behind the scenes to find out more, talking to the developers about interstellar piracy, galactic trade routes, and starship battle tactics. And to keep you in the strategy mood, we’ve also rounded up our favorite 4X games to play right now.

But one galaxy isn't enough for us: we've looked beyond Sins in this issue. In the previews, we've got all the latest details on Assassin's Creed Mirage, a stealth sequel that harks back to the series' roots; Broken Roads, a post-apocalyptic RPG that could rival Disco Elysium; The Great War: Western Front, a brutal RTS set to breathe new life into the genre; and much more.

And of course, we've got our first look at Grand Theft Auto 6, thanks to what could be the biggest leak in gaming history. Rockstar has been hacked, and we've got the full breakdown of what happened – and we've delved into what the footage can tell us about the game's setting, main characters and mechanics.

In our dedicated hardware section, we’re looking at all the things you could do with the power of your PC beyond gaming – maybe you already have the horsepower to become a full-fledged video or music editor. Plus, we’ve tested six of the best wireless headphones on the market, to find the best audio quality and noise cancellation you can get, while still being portable and convenient.

Issue 376 is now on shelves and available on all your digital devices from App Store (opens in new tab) and Zinio (opens in new tab). You can also order directly from Direct magazines (opens in new tab) or buy a subscription (opens in new tab) to save some money, receive monthly deliveries, and get incredibly stylish subscriber-only covers.

This month:

• Exploring the edges of the known universe – and beyond – in Sins of a Solar Empire 2.
• Ubisoft goes back to basics in Assassin's Creed Mirage.
• Could there be a contender for Disco Elysium's narrative RPG crown in Broken Roads?
• What does the historic GTA 6 leak tell us about Rockstar's next game?
• What else can you do with all the power of your PC?
• Much more than that!